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Its
not often that an Air Force squadron operates the one aircraft for
as many years as its squadron number.
So
when RAAF Base Amberley's No.38 Squadron notched 38 years of Caribou
operations earlier this year, it intended to mark the occasion in
style.
This
significant milestone formed the centrepiece for celebrations on
the base on August 24 as 38SQN held an open day, with its Caribous
taking centre stage.
The
open day, which had a family focus, attracted more than 1000 people,
including more than 800 visitors. Among them were ex-Air Force members
who flew in Caribous in days past.
Static
and handling displays featuring the squadron’s DHC-4 aircraft
proved popular attractions.
The
Red Berets, Army’s parachute troop, leapt from a circling Caribou
much to the crowd’s delight. And proud 38SQN members, including
about 50 personnel from the squadron’s detachment at Townsville,
paraded in front of Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Chris
Spence.
The
DHC-4 Caribou, the first of which arrived at RAAF Base Richmond
in April 1964 to begin its new life with 38SQN, is a light tactical
aircraft renowned for its ruggedness and versatility.
Significantly
smaller than a Hercules, Caribous are designed to operate in areas
where other aircraft cannot. They are especially adept at taking
off from and landing on short airstrips. Caribous can also operate
from unsealed airstrips and have been labelled “the gravel
trucks of the sky”.
38SQN,
which has 14 Caribous, has played roles in Vietnam, Bougainville
and other overseas destinations, but its most recent and important
work occurred in East Timor from 1999 to early 2001.
Members
of 38SQN thanked No. 86 Wing, No. 82 Wing Photographic, Central
Flying School, No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron, ADF Basic Flying
Training School, Parachute Training School, No. 382 ECSS, No. 44
Wing (Air Traffic Control), Air Transportable Health Squadron, and
the Air Force band for making their celebrations a success.
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The
DHC-4A Caribou
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| Type |
STOL
tactical transport
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| Country
of Origin |
Canada
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| Engines |
2
x Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp piston engines, each
of 1450 hp.
|
| Dimensions |
-
Wingspan: 29.15m.
-
Length: 22.13m.
-
Height: 9.68m.
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| Performance |
- Maximum
speed: 188kts (348km/h).
- Normal
cruise: 158kts (293km/h).
-
Initial climb: 1355ft (413 metres per min).
-
Service ceiling: 24,800ft (7560m).
-
Maximum range: 1135nm (2100km)
|
|
Accommodation |
Flight
crew of two, 32 troops or 26 fully equipped paratroops.
|
| Weights |
-
Empty weight: 8283kg
-
Maximum loaded: 12,927kg
|
| Crew |
2
|
| Service |
1964
to present with 38SQN and RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam
(becoming 35SQN)
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No.
38 Squadron’s colours are paraded before an appreciative
crowd.
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Deputy
Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Chris Spence receives
a salute from Corporal Tammy Ritchie, watched by Group Captain
Glen Steed, the Commanding Officer of 86 Wing.
Photos by LAC Mark McConnell and LAC Andrew Eddie
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Three
Caribous make a fine spectacle as they take part in a flypast.
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With
ceremonial sword drawn, No. 38 Squadron Commanding Officer
Wing Commander John McGarry leads squadron members on parade,
including Flight Lieutenant Brett Dockett (left) and Warrant
Officer Steve Finch (right).
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Members
of the Federation Guard on parade during No. 38 Squadron’s
open day.
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Two
Caribous from No. 38 Squadron perform manoeuvres in the Queensland
skies during celebrations of No. 38 Squadron’s 38 years
of Caribou operations.
Photo by LAC Andrew Eddie, 82WG
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An
aerial view of the celebrations at RAAF Base Amberley marking
the anniversary.
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